Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. oncology (n.) [ong-kol-uh-jee] – the medical field dealing with cancer and cancer tumors
Example: The leukemia patient went to the hospital’s oncology department.
2. joyous (adj.) [joi-uh s] – very happy
Example: Having a baby is a joyous occasion for the couple.
3. ward (n.) [wawrd] – a section of the hospital in which all the patients require the same treatment
Example: Nurses make sure babies in the maternity ward are well fed.
4. expecting (adj.) [ik-spek-ting] –about to have a baby
Example: The expecting mother will give birth very soon.
5. prior (adj.) [prahy-er] – earlier in time; happening before one event
Example: She asked advice from her doctor prior to the delivery of her baby.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
Nine nurses from the oncology department at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital in England had a joyous experience earlier this year. The nurses were all pregnant at a common point in time.
Claire Smith, 38, joked that it was because of the tea they drank in the ward. She said that the nurses felt good because they could share stories about their pregnancies with each other.
Beckie Andersson, 35, also thought that it was great to be pregnant along with her co-workers. They got to feed each other with sweets.
Helen Truslove, who was experiencing her first pregnancy at the time, felt relieved that she could ask for advice from other expecting mothers.
The first one to become pregnant was Louise Cook, a 29-year-old staff nurse, followed by 32-year-old junior staff nurse Tasmin Aston. Smith announced her pregnancy next, followed by Andersson, Truslove, and then four other nurses.
In addition, Doctor Louise Fryearson from the same oncology department was also pregnant early this year. She bore a baby girl last May.
The nine nurses have since given birth to five boys and four girls. Smith said that even after giving birth, the nurses still talk often with each other about their babies’ growth.
Angie Burns, manager at the ward where the nurses work, expressed her happiness for her co-workers. She added that prior to this event the highest number of pregnant staff members at the hospital was only two.
|
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· The nurses happily supported each other through their pregnancies. Do you think it is important for a person to have a support group?
· Can you share an experience wherein others supported you or gave you good advice?
Discussion B
· Which do you enjoy more: doing things by yourself or doing things with other people? Please explain your answer.
· How can experiencing or doing an activity together with other people benefit you?
